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Emergency Treatment

Emergency Treatment

What is an orthodontic emergency?

Thankfully, orthodontic emergencies are rare. However, if you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, please call our office immediately, even if it’s outside of our regular business hours, and you will be directed to our after-hours care. A broken or loose bracket, poking wire, and loose or broken braces can result in tooth pain or other mouth discomfort or injury. While most orthodontics issues are minor and can be remedied at home, the major ones require an orthodontic professional to repair them. It is always important to contact your orthodontist when there is an issue. Delaying repair could postpone the eventual removal of your braces.

Emergency vs. non-emergency

When in doubt, it is always a good idea to call your orthodontist, but there are some issues that typically can be dealt with during regular business hours. Here are some examples of issues that require immediate treatment, and some that typically can wait until the next day.

Immediate Emergency Treatment

      • Trauma
      • Significant pain
      • Prolonged bleeding
      • Limitations to jaw movement

During Business Hours

      • Broken bracket
      • Loose Bands
      • Trouble hooking up elastics
      • Pokey wires
      • Difficulty turning expander

I’ve experienced a mouth injury, what do I do?

We highly recommend seeking immediate care if you endure a direct mouth injury. This will usually require an X-ray of the involved area to determine the extent of any injury. Typically, your family dentist would want to see you first. We will likely want to see you, as well, to evaluate any possible damage to your braces or aligners. Allowing your orthodontic appliances to remain damaged for an extended period of time may delay your results and require additional time in braces.

Helpful links:

American Association of Orthodontists - Handling Orthodontic Emergencies

Emergency Treatment